Review of Black Death (2010) by Maksim B — 24 Mar 2011

Hollywood has always had a poor track record when it comes to the Medieval Times, but that could not be said over the European cinema, which quite often delivers realistic and engaging Medieval dramas. Black Death is one of the particularly good mixturea of medieval religious-related drama and suspense.

Its dark, bloody, muddy and religiously provoking plot raises moral and religious dilemmas with no answers, and leaves you thinking of the morality of Christianity and paganism. The director, Christian Smith has managed to present the gruesome reality of the 15th century bubonic plague devastated Europe in a fascinatingly serious and apocalyptic way. This grim reality sets the background of the ruthless attack of Smith against the religious extremism, Christianity and paganism by showing the barbaric in each of them. The story zig-zags between Christianity and paganism, only to show the hypocrisy of both in the end.

This medieval B-movie could have been even better if Christopher Smith had decided to delve deep into the above-mentioned topic from the very beginning of the movies. Instead, the first 30 minutes are a bloody road-trip which adds up more gruesome moments, but limits us from the existential pleasure delivered after reaching the pagan village.

Black Death is definitely a must-see!